apotheosis

[ uh-poth-ee-oh-sis, ap-uh-thee-uh-sis ]

noun

, plural a·poth·e·o·ses [uh, -poth-ee-, oh, -seez, ap-, uh, -, thee, -, uh, -seez].

1. the elevation or exaltation of a person to the rank of a god.
2. the ideal example; epitome; quintessence:

   This poem is the apotheosis of lyric expression.

apotheosis

/ əˌpɒθɪˈəʊsɪs /

noun

1. the elevation of a person to the rank of a god; deification
2. glorification of a person or thing
3. a glorified ideal
4. the best or greatest time or event

   the apotheosis of De Niro's career

Word History and Origins

Origin of apotheosis¹

1570–80; < Late Latin < Greek. See apo-, theo-, -osis

Word History and Origins

Origin of apotheosis¹

C17: via Late Latin from Greek: deification, from theos god

Example Sentences

“The Outrun” feels like the apotheosis of that phase of her run, a movie that offers an intimate sense of catharsis, particularly for those who have been affected by addiction.

From Los Angeles Times

Miller’s magnum opus, “Fury Road” is at once the apotheosis of his cinematic genius — it’s one of the great movies of the last decade — and a departure narratively and tonally from the previous films.

From New York Times

Sunset Sound represents the apotheosis of the recording industry’s heyday.

From Los Angeles Times

Cooper impressively mimics Bernstein’s movements in a performance of the apotheosis of Mahler’s Second Symphony at the Ely Cathedral in London, which Bernstein filmed.

From Los Angeles Times

For Johnson to now be speaker of the House feels as if it is the apotheosis of his political career and aspirations.

From Salon

Related Words

• embodiment
• epitome
• exemplar
• ideal
• quintessence